Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has successfully cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol and is set to start against the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday. This marks his return to play following a concussion in Week 2. The team cleared Tagovailoa to resume practice on Monday after he had spent about a month on injured reserve due to his third known concussion, sustained on September 12. Since then, Tagovailoa has consulted multiple medical experts who confirmed that he was fit to play. He completed the NFL’s five-step return-to-play protocol, which included practicing and taking hits without exhibiting any concussion symptoms. Following Thursday’s practice, an independent neurological consultant assessed Tagovailoa and approved him for Sunday’s game, as stated by Coach Mike McDaniel. “Words can’t express how thrilled I am for all players who get opportunities they truly appreciate,” McDaniel commented on Friday. “It’s an exciting moment from a human perspective as a coach for this team.”
paraphrase: Tagovailoa’s concussion occurred when he collided with Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin. He had run for a first down and made contact by lowering his shoulder into Hamlin instead of sliding. Tagovailoa mentioned on Monday that he has not had any symptoms since the day after he was diagnosed with the concussion. He has a record of head injuries since joining the NFL. In 2022, he was diagnosed with two concussions and experienced another serious hit to the head that resulted in changes to the NFL’s concussion rules. Over the past month, Tagovailoa has traveled around the country to meet with medical experts who discussed his concussion history with him, according to the Dolphins. No doctor suggested that he should retire, and the decision to return to playing was made with input from his doctors and family, the team stated. Tagovailoa mentioned that he won’t wear a Guardian Cap — a soft-shell helmet cover meant for extra protection — describing it as a “personal choice.” He already wears a special quarterback helmet designed to help reduce the risk of head injuries.
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